Where to Play on the Weekdays: September 2-5

Tuesday – Beat the heat on what’s probably going to be one of the hottest days this summer at the National Building Museum. The Book of the Month program invites children to a special storytime in the Building Zone. During this session, there will be readings of Tools Rules by Aaron Meshon. Stay to romp in the play space for kids, head upstairs to the PLAY WORK BUILD exhibit, or hang out in the magnificent Great Hall. Book of the Month runs from 10am – 12pm, admission is $3/person. Admission to other exhibits is $8/adult, $5/child (Certifikid currently has a $4 deal). Museum hours are 10am – 5pm.

Wednesday – Spend the morning grooving with the Boogie Babes! After a brief hiatus, they are back with kiddie entertainment at Union Market presenting Unos, dos, tres…con Andres. Showtime is 10:30am, admission is $5/child. (You can also catch Mr. Skip at Eastern Market on Thursday and The Singing Lizard at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on Friday.) Later on, skip the cooking and eat pizza at a family-friendly happy hour at Mellow Mushroom in Adams Morgan. Some toys provided, plus you can BYO! Your host will be Moms Clean Air Force, an organization that fights climate change with mom-power. The DC Field Organizer will be happy to chat with moms and dads about how to get involved in the organization in ways big and small. Drop in anytime between 4:30-7pm. RSVPs appreciated to jhantman@momscleanairforce.org.

Thursday – Enjoy reading, singing, and fun at The Plaza at City Center’s Kids Corner! The weekly program promotes early language and literacy skills through stories, songs, rhymes, and other delights for kids — bubbles, parachutes and coloring — with a librarian from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Starts at 11am, and admission is free. The Plaza is located at I Street between 9th & 10th Streets NW.

Friday – Get a nature fix, indoors and out, at Long Branch Nature Center. Peek inside terrariums for a close look at snakes, turtles, frogs, and toads, and see fish swim in a small indoor pond. If weather permits, continue your viewing outdoors at the larger pond and hike the nearby trails. Hours are 10am – 5pm (Tuesday – Saturday, 1-5pm Sunday), and admission is free.